Epson has made two big announcements simultaneously, extending its SureColor range with the addition of the 64 inch SureColor SC-R5000 signage printer and the introduction of the SureColor SC-V7000, its first flatbed.

The SC-R5000 is Epson’s first signage printer to include a resin ink solution, ‘offering print service providers and creative design agencies the ability to produce a wide range of signage and high value applications with environmentally friendly, outstanding results.’

Key features of the new 1.6m roll printer include use of Epson UltraChrome RS ink, high levels of scratch resistance, GreenGuard Gold, AgBB and French-VOC certification.

‘We have listened to our customers and understood the demand for quality, productivity, reliability and stable colour performance within the resin ink market,’ said Tom Owers, pro graphics product manager at Epson UK. ‘With the introduction of the SC-R5000, we are now able to meet all of these demands. With our line-up of Eco-solvent, UV and now resin inksets, Epson is the one-stop-shop for all signage, POS and interior décor requirements.’

Epson has also introduced the SureColor SC-V7000 flatbed. The machine, which will be available from November, is being marketed as ‘for signmakers who are looking to expand their offering and produce high quality UV signage.’

The company’s first UV LED flatbed signage printer, it has been designed to ‘meet the needs of today’s signage businesses that must focus on faster throughput and a lower total cost of ownership, without compromising on results.’

Mr Owers added, ‘Every feature of the SC-V7000 has been designed with the customer in mind. We have added unique Epson features to differentiate and enhance our offering to the signage market. This is a robust and affordable UV LED flatbed signage printer capable of fast and quality printing on a wide range of media. The SC-V7000 proudly marks Epson’s entry into the UV flatbed signage print market.’

The printer can print at sizes up to 2.5 x 1.25m, thus supporting the popular 8×4 ft board size, and onto a ‘wide range of substrates’ up to 80mm thick including acrylics, polycarbonates, PVC, aluminium, metal, polyester, foamboard, styrene, wood and stone. It uses Epson’s Micro Piezo printhead, combined with a newly developed set of 10 original inks including grey, red, white and varnish as standard. A four-zone vacuum system also comes as standard so that operators only use the area needed for the print job.